I have been dealing with mental health for as long as I can remember. From a very early age I was aware I was dealing with something. Truth is important; I needed to be honest with myself about what I was dealing with, later finding out about cerebral palsy and autism, although a work in progress, has helped me navigate my life.

Setting boundaries

Over the years, I have learned to set boundaries and prioritise my mental health, saying no to the things that don't align with my wellbeing. I think we all should. By aligning my practices positively, I have noticed significant improvements in my mental health. I have become more self-aware, gained a deeper understanding of my emotions and thought patterns and developed healthier coping mechanisms. Mental health needs to benefit us, so that we can communicate our needs more effectively and establish healthier boundaries.

We each have a different journey

It's important to be honest with yourself and to remember that everyone's journey towards mental health and wellbeing is unique. What works for me may not work for you and vice versa. It was crucial for me to find a way through, to find peace with my situation. It is important to find practices and treatments that resonate with our own values and beliefs, as this allows us to stay true to ourselves while taking steps towards recovery.

Align practices positively

Aligning practices positively with your own values and beliefs is essential for your mental health journey. It helps create a foundation of self-acceptance, self-care and self-empowerment, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.

Don't be afraid to explore different strategies and seek support from those who align with your personal goals and values. You deserve to live a fulfilling and healthy life.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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